Collins Aerospace and Etihad Engineering have announced a joint venture (JV) agreement to provide nacelle and thrust reverser MRO services in Abu Dhabi for Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 operators, doubling Collins Aerospace’s existing nacelle maintenance footprint in the Middle East.

Announced at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, the partnership will see Collins Aerospace relocate its existing UAE nacelle operations to Etihad Engineering’s 550,000 sqm maintenance campus near Zayed International Airport. The new 3,250 sqm facility is scheduled to enter service during the first quarter of 2027.

The JV will offer nacelle and thrust reverser maintenance alongside asset support services for regional and international airline customers operating A350 and 787 fleets.

The move expands Collins Aerospace’s global aerostructures aftermarket network while adding a new specialist capability to Etihad Engineering’s growing portfolio of aircraft maintenance services.

PJ Titone, vice president and general manager of advanced structures for Collins Aerospace, said: “By co-locating with Etihad Engineering’s rapidly expanding heavy maintenance facility, Collins Aerospace can deliver enhanced service levels and technical expertise to meet the demand of the Middle East region’s fast growing aviation market.

“This joint venture expands our global MRO footprint and supports the rising number of commercial aircraft equipped with Collins Aerospace nacelles helping carriers across the region reduce costs and improve turnaround times.”

Etihad Engineering, part of the Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) group of companies, said the venture will complement its existing maintenance offering while strengthening nacelle MRO support for airline customers in the region and internationally.

Mahmood Al Hameli, group chief executive of ADA, said: “This new capability aligns with our group’s long-term commitment to organic growth through capability enhancement and the development of local expertise. This not only broadens our service offerings but also enhances resilience and provides better responsiveness to our customers.”

Daniel Hoffmann, chief executive of Etihad Engineering, said: “The creation of this JV with Collins Aerospace strengthens our world-class value proposition by adding high-quality nacelle maintenance and thrust reverser MRO services to our comprehensive existing portfolio for our customers from all over the world.”

The JV will operate as part of Collins Aerospace’s global aerostructures aftermarket network, supported by the company’s worldwide technical team.

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